Widely known as a good herb to treat certain types of migraines, feverfew is a perennial native to southeastern Europe and Asia, but found in many other areas. This is a perfect plant for those without a green thumb. It will grow anywhere, even in bad soil and among weeds. Its reputation for being low maintenance convinces many amateur herbalists to grow feverfew right in their own backyards.
Instructions
1. Decide where to plant your feverfew and if you want to use pots or sow the seeds right into the ground. You'll have plenty of choices since feverfew will pop up between the cracks in a sidewalk or a wall, a weedy garden or even on a rocky slope. Feverfew loves full sun and doesn't need an abundance of moisture.
2. Plant by seed in the spring or root division in the fall. Feverfew can grow up to two feet. Its leaves are brightly colored and have an aromatic smell, but somewhat bitter taste. The plant will live through a mild winter if placed in a sheltered spot.
3. Watch for flowers which appear from summer until mid-fall and look like daisies with yellow centers. As feverfew self sows its seed, the flowers will be quite plentiful.
4. Divide the plants when they get too big and plant in another location, keeping them moist until reestablished.
5. Harvest the entire plant while in bloom. Cut the leaves and flowers as needed. Dry the flowers face down on a flat surface to use later in potpourri. The leaves, flowers and occasionally, the stems, are used for medicinal purposes and are what give the feverfew its commercial value.
6. Store no longer than 120 days to maintain full effectiveness. Studies reveal feverfew leaves are best stored in powdered form in freezer conditions (-15C).
Tags: leaves flowers